What to Expect When You Arrive for a Visit at FCI McKean: Search, Prohibited Items, and Medications

Your first visit to FCI McKean goes a lot smoother when you know what to expect at the entrance. By stepping onto the grounds, you're agreeing to BOP search rules. You'll also need to leave prohibited items behind (especially electronics and anything considered contraband) and follow the medication declaration process. Before you travel, confirm FCI McKean's visiting days and hours, since schedules vary by institution.

At FCI McKean, the Bureau of Prisons treats setting foot on the grounds (or even attempting to enter) as consent to a search under BOP policy and 28 C.F.R. Part 511. That covers you and everything you bring with you. Refuse a search, and you'll be turned away. Your visit ends before it starts.

Prohibited Items

• ✓ Weapons
• ✓ Explosives
• ✓ Drugs
• ✓ Intoxicants
• ✓ Currency (cash)
• ✓ Cameras of any type
• ✓ Recording equipment
• ✓ Telephones (any type)
• ✓ Radios
• ✓ Pagers
• ✓ Electronic devices

A lot of people get tripped up by items that feel perfectly normal, especially electronics. Phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are all on the prohibited list at FCI McKean, along with obvious safety concerns like weapons, drugs, and explosives. Do a last check before you leave your car, then check again before you walk up to the entrance.

If you need to bring medication, plan ahead. All medications you're carrying must be listed on the visitor notice form and left at the entry area as directed. Traveling with someone else, including children? Account for anything they're carrying too. The medication rule applies to everything your party brings onto the grounds.

• ✓ List every medication you have with you on the visitor notice form (this includes any type of medication you are carrying)
• ✓ Be ready to leave the medication at the entry area as directed
• ✓ Keep medication clearly identified (for example, in its labeled container) so it is easy to list accurately

BOP institutions generally offer visiting on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and sometimes during the week. The specifics differ by facility, so verify FCI McKean's current visiting hours before you travel. This is especially true if you're coming from out of town.

1. Check FCI McKean’s current visiting information - Use the facility’s official BOP listing and posted visiting regulations.
2. Call ahead if you can - Confirm the day and time you plan to arrive so you do not lose the trip to a schedule change.
3. Arrive early - Give yourself extra time for entry procedures and screening.

Practical Checklist

• ✓ Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
• ✓ Expect to consent to a search when you enter or attempt to enter the grounds (refusal can mean no entry)
• ✓ Leave prohibited items behind, especially phones, cameras, recording devices, and other electronics
• ✓ Do not bring prohibited objects like weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, or currency
• ✓ If you must bring medication, list all medications on the visitor notice form and leave them at the entry area as directed
• ✓ Verify FCI McKean’s visiting hours before you travel (hours are generally on weekends and holidays, and sometimes weekdays)
• ✓ Plan to arrive early so you have time for entry procedures